It is environmentally irresponsible (illegal too) to pour paint and paint contaminated water into the sewer and storm water drainage system. Washing of painting tools outdoors or rinsing them with the hose is even worse, as the contaminated water will enter the natural waterways and eventually pollute our beautiful lakes and rivers.
When water based paint waste enters the waterways: paints contain solid pigments that can increase the turbidity of water. In addition to making the water "muddy" and unsightly, they can cause particles to clog the gills of fish, and restrict their ability to breathe. Increased turbidity can also block out sunlight and reduce photosynthesis in plants. Paints also contain several biodegradable substances. As they break down, they can reduce the oxygen level in the water making it difficult for fish and other organisms to survive.
When solvent based paint enters the waterways: solvent based paint waste contains many organic solvents and compounds. These substances don't mix well with water. When they eventualy break down they deprive organisms of the oxygen they need to survive. Solvent paints can contain lead, mercury, zinc and chromium. These heavy metals can contaminate the sediment and poison the food chain. In addition, toxic ingredients in solvent based paints can cause tumors to be formed in fish and other water organisms.
Practices to follow when cleaning brushes and rollers (water based): transfer as much paint as possible back to the paint cans by squeezing the brush, or squeezing the paint out of the roller with a commonly available tool for that purpose. Before using the sink to wash them, give them a good wash in a container (5 gallon bucket is good). Re-use this water for the first wash the next few times and eventually let the solids accumulate at the bottom. Dispose as solid waste.
Practices to follow when cleaning brushes and rollers (solvent based): if you are using them for similar colours wrap them in plastic and freeze them until you need them again. If they are a very strong colour, don't wash them as they require a big amount of paint thinner or turpentine. Let them dry and dispose of them as solid waste. If you need to clean them, transfer as much paint as possible back to the paint can first. Wash them in a container with a tight lid. Let solids collect at the bottom of the container and re-use the cleaner solvents from the top. Keep the lid on. If you follow this simple "re-cycling" system, you hardly ever have to buy mineral spirits and even save money.
Low VOC When Painting in Condominium Buildings
There is a trend for green building by some major condo builders. Environmentally friendly lifestyles are promoted and enhanced with some never before specified features such as ventilating systems providing cleaner air, water saving plumbing, energy efficient lights and appliances. Construction materials such as flooring and paint are chosen for their reduced VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) producing properties. Since the average Canadian spends more than 80% of their time indoors, Indoor Air Quality is paramount.
The problem with most multi-unit apartment or condominium buildings is that their ventilation systems are inadequate and in most cases, non existing. Paint, especially latex paint, dries very fast. As a result, there is a false security that VOC are not harmful anymore. The reality is different. Paint can take many days, even weeks to cure and "off-gassing" continues to happen for many days after the paint has dried. To make things worse, cold weather makes it impractical to keep windows open for extended periods of time. The end result is, VOC travel from unit to unit through electrical outlets, gaps around pipes, floors, behind walls, ceilings. VOC are harmful substances with high health risks to everyone but mostly pregnant women, young children, and people with respiratory concerns. Condominium owners and property managers are well advised to always provide early notice to neighbouring condo owners when painting a condominium unit or painting hallways and common areas. Painting contractors, when painting in a condominium or apartment building, should be asked to use zero or low VOC paints. Painting contractor should be asked to provide information about the hazards of the paints being used in the form of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). You may wish to refer to this article on lov VOC paint on the Cloverdale Paint website .
Please browse these pages for some other general informaton about the painting business:
